COVENTRY’S Pilot Hotel has had its Premises Licence revoked following an incident of ‘serious crime and disorder’ at the venue.
The Catesby Road venues Premises Licence had been suspended since December after West Midlands Police made an application for a summary review under section 53a of the Licensing Act 2003.
Insp Sherrie Kimberley, from Coventry Police, said police were continuing to investigate after a man was seriously assaulted at around 8.40pm on November 29.
Insp Kimberley added the ‘serious violence’ at the Pilot Hotel caused concerns within the wider community.
Coventry City Council’s sub-committee considered the Licencing Act 2003, the guidance of summary reviews and those representing all parties before agreeing to revoke the licence.
The reasons for the decision included the sub-committee not seeing any compelling information or evidence to overturn the decision made on December 14.
The sub-committee wasn’t satisfied the licensing objective of public safety would be upheld should the premises licence be reinstated in the meantime.
Bablake Ward Councillor, Steven Keough, said: “We cannot divulge the reasons for the revocation at this stage as ongoing criminal investigations are running alongside the hearing process.
“The licence holder has 21 days from the receipt of the decision notice to appeal the decision to the magistrate’s court, however members of the Sub-Committee agreed that the pub cannot continue to operate until the conclusion of the appeal process”.
Coventry City Council’s chair of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee, Coun Joe Clifford, added: “Each responsible authority is regarded as the experts in their field as per the guidance to the Licensing Act.
“The Sub-Committee look to the police as the leading responsible authority in providing advice relating to the prevention of crime and/or disorder – and the police have been clear in their recommendations to revoke the premises licence.
“The breaches of licence conditions are such that the Sub-Committee do not have confidence in the Licence Holder to uphold the licensing objectives”.
A petition in support of the pub, launched last month, has reached over 200 signatures.
Petition organiser Lee Humphreys said the pub being closed would be a ‘huge blow to the local community.’
“The Pub gives people a friendly and safe environment to go to with a great atmosphere where they can enjoy good times with good people.
“The Pilot has faced a few troubles recently and some have caused a bad reflection on the pub and unfortunately the pub has been held responsible.
“It’s a safe and friendly environment and all the staff make you feel welcomed and are lovely, it needs to stay open as its one of the few independent pubs left in the city and the pub means a lot to all in the local community.”
Anyone with information or phone footage of the incident on November 29 should contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat on their website and quote 20/993921/22.
